In a video address today, marking four years since the conflict erupted, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated, "Russian President Vladimir Putin has not subjugated the Ukrainian people. He has not won this war. We have preserved Ukraine and will do everything to achieve peace and ensure justice."

He affirmed Ukraine seeks a lasting, sustainable peace, maintaining national sovereignty and honor. According to the Ukrainian leader, any agreement "must be accepted by the people."

Zelensky also conveyed to Ukraine's negotiators, "Do not deny these years, do not devalue the struggles, courage, dignity, everything Ukraine has endured. We cannot and must not give up, forget, or betray."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a press conference in Kiev on 5/2. *AFP*

Hundreds of thousands of people have died on both sides since the Ukraine conflict erupted on 24/2/2022. This conflict is the deadliest on European territory since World War II.

Negotiations between the two sides, restarted by the US last year, have yet to yield any breakthrough.

Leaders of Ukraine's allied nations, including Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, visited Ukraine on 24/2 to attend events commemorating the outbreak of the conflict.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was also present, reasserting that Europe stands "steadfastly with Ukraine financially, militarily, and throughout this harsh winter."

"We will not falter until peace is restored. A peace on Ukraine's terms", von der Leyen stated in a video posted on social media.

Russia currently controls about 20% of Ukraine's territory and demands Kiev relinquish the entire Donetsk province in the east as a condition for a ceasefire agreement. Moscow warned it would seize the rest of Donetsk by force if Kiev does not concede at the negotiating table.

Ukraine rejects this demand and declared it would not sign an agreement without security guarantees from allies, including the US. Russia rejected Ukraine's proposal to deploy European troops to ensure security in Ukraine after a ceasefire agreement.

Territories controlled by Russia in Ukraine as of 2/2026. *CBC*

In recent months, Russia intensified attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, leaving millions without electricity and heating in winter.

Russian forces continue slow advances on the front lines, especially in the Donbas region. During an awards ceremony on Fatherland Defender's Day on 23/2, Putin stated that Russian soldiers are protecting the country's "borders" to ensure a "strategic balance" among major powers and fight for Russia's "future."

The four-year conflict caused severe damage to Ukraine, already one of Europe's poorest nations before the war erupted. According to a joint report by the World Bank, European Union, and United Nations, coordinated with Kiev and released on 23/2, post-conflict reconstruction costs are estimated at about 588 billion USD over the next decade.

By Huyen Le (AFP, Reuters)